Matsuri Events in Japan

Horikawa Festival

The event features illuminated straw boat parades, lion dances, taiko drumming, and the grand Oyama (lion mountain) procession.

Hamamatsu Flying Dragon Festival

Ever wanted to see the mystical dragons of the Nintendo Zelda games come to the life?

Mantō Mitama Festival

As the sun goes down, feast your eyes on thousands of lanterns and a traditional Japanese dance performed by 100 shrine maidens in red and white.

Tōhoku Kizuna Festival

This festival creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere through various stage events and local food stalls.

Sakata Festival

See giant lion head floats and unique wheeled floats.

Togyo 1,000 Samurai Procession

This procession takes place on the second day of the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine Grand Festival.

Kōbe Festival

The Kōbe Festival is a citywide festival.

Sendai Aoba Festival

Every May, as Sendai’s zelkova trees turn green, the Sendai Aoba Festival takes center stage.

Aoi Matsuri

Expect to see men on horseback, ornate carts, and women in kimono.

Kankame-Inari Yomiya Festival

See geisha entertain the locals at this very small festival in Kyoto.

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

Celebrate sakura at Hokkaidō's top cherry blossom viewing spot.

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival 2027

One of Japan's best cherry blossom festivals.

Hamamatsu Festival

The Hamamatsu Festival celebrates the birth of children and falls on Children's Day (May 5).

Hiroshima Flower Festival

The Hiroshima Flower Festival is a lot more than a simple flower show.

Hakata Dontaku Festival

The most popular Golden Week festival.

Heijō-kyō Tenpyō Festival

Relive the days when Nara was the capital of Japan. Expect re-enactments, a noble banquet, parades, and more.

Spring Kemari Festival

This Nara festival features beautiful processions, rituals, and eventually a game of kemari.

Nagahama Hikiyama Festival

See children's kabuki performances atop floats.

Takayama Spring Festival

The Takayama Spring Festival is one of Japan's most famous festivals.

Kawanishi Genji Festival

The Kawanishi Genji Festival celebrates a Japanese literary classic-"Tale of Genji".

Inuyama Festival

Celebrate the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Inuyama Festival

Shizuoka City Festival

The Shizuoka Festival is Shizuoka City's biggest spring festival.

Shingen-kō Festival and Samurai Parade

According to organizers, this is the largest samurai parade in the world.

Beppu Onsen Festival

Show your gratitude for some of Japan's most sought-after thermal waters at the Beppu Onsen Festival